Parent Approval and Photo Proof solve different problems.

• Approval adds an adult review step.
• Photo Proof adds a picture to the completion.

They can be used together or separately.

Use the lightest control that makes the finish line clear.

Both controls are Premium-only.

At a Glance

Setup	What happens
Neither	Chore follows normal completion
Approval only	Chore waits for parent review
Photo Proof only	Child adds a picture during completion
Both	Child adds a picture and the chore waits for approval

Use Neither for Simple Chores

Simple chores may not need an extra review step.

Examples:

• Put shoes away
• Put laundry in the hamper
• Carry a plate to the sink
• Pack a familiar item

The child completes the chore without waiting for adult review.

Use Approval Only

Use Approval when the parent needs to review the result but a photo would not add much.

Examples:

• Complete a homework routine
• Prepare part of dinner
• Practice a new skill with the parent nearby
• Finish a family project step

When Approval is on:

• The chore waits for the parent
• S’mores are not awarded yet
• The parent approves or rejects the work

Use Photo Proof Only

Use Photo Proof when the picture makes the result visible.

Examples:

• Made bed
• Organized desk
• Put away laundry
• Completed yard work

A photo should show the result, not private information.

Confirm the exact current flow when Photo Proof is used without Approval.

Use Both Together

Use both when:

• The parent is not nearby
• The result is visual
• Quality matters
• S’mores should wait for review

Examples:

• Clean bedroom
• Organize a shared space
• Clean pet area
• Put away laundry
• Complete outdoor work

The flow is:

1. Child completes the chore.
2. Child adds Photo Proof.
3. Chore waits for approval.
4. Parent reviews the result.
5. Parent approves or rejects.
6. Approval awards S’mores.

What Happens After Rejection

If the parent rejects the chore:

• The chore returns to the active list
• No S’mores are awarded
• The child can correct and resubmit
• The original submitted photo is no longer visible

The child may need to add a new photo after correcting the work.

Use specific feedback.

Try:

The bed is made. Please put the clothes in the hamper and submit again.

Make the Finish Line Clear First

Approval and Photo Proof work best when the child already knows what the parent expects.

Use:

• A clear chore name
• Written instructions
• A S’mart List
• One agreed result

Do not use Approval to decide the standard only after the work is submitted.

Avoid an Overloaded Approval Queue

If many chores wait for review:

• Turn Approval off for simple chores
• Use Photo Proof only where useful
• Review approvals promptly
• Share review responsibility with another adult
• Add a S’mart List to reduce incomplete work
• Remove controls after the child learns the skill

A delayed approval weakens the connection between work and reward.

Protect Privacy

Teach children not to include:

• School documents
• Addresses
• Passwords
• Private papers
• People who do not want to be photographed
• Sensitive family information

The picture should focus on the chore result.

Family Example

Chore: Put away clean laundry
Approval: On
Photo Proof: On
S’mores: 25

The child puts away the clothes and adds a photo showing the empty basket and organized drawers.

The parent approves it.

The child receives 25 S’mores, then automatic allocation divides the earned amount into Spend, Save, and Goal.

Common Questions

Are Approval and Photo Proof Premium?

Yes.

Does Photo Proof automatically approve the chore?

No.

Can Approval be used without Photo Proof?

Yes.

Can Photo Proof be used without Approval?

The shared platform supports it. Verify the exact current S’moresUp flow.

What happens to the original photo after rejection?

It is no longer visible.

When are S’mores awarded?

After approval when Approval is required.

Best First Action

Choose one chore that often causes disagreement about whether it is finished.

Add Approval, Photo Proof, or both based on what the parent actually needs to review.

Related Articles

• How Approvals Work
• How Photo Proof Works
• How S’mart Lists Help Explain Multi-Step Chores
• Premium Chore Controls at a Glance